A cash hold-up was foiled by detectives in an operation which led to four arrests.

Today inquiries are continuing into a series of snatches which may be linked to the suspects.

Officers from Northumbria Police's Crime Operations carried out the swoop at lunchtime on Monday in Aldborough Crescent, Blyth.

Four people were arrested after police intercepted a cash-in-transit raid as it happened.

It occurred as a shopkeeper got into her car carrying takings to the bank.

Two men pounced, opened the passenger door and grabbed the takings.

The snatch was seen by plain-clothes officers nearby who had been keeping observations as part of the pre-planned operation. The suspects tried to escape in what was believed to be a stolen car and were arrested a short time later in Hartley Terrace.

A substantial amount of money - believed to be thousands of pounds - was recovered and no-one was injured.

The men, aged 65 and 46 from the Newcastle area, are both in custody after being arrested on suspicion of burglary and conspiracy to steal.

A 25-year-old man and woman from Newcastle were also arrested in connection with the incident.

Det Insp John Cox, from Crime Operations, said: "This theft certainly appeared to be pre-planned and we're confident we've disrupted a professional operation.

"We're now investigating a number of similar incidents to see if they're connected in any way. As soon as officers saw a crime was taking place they acted quickly and professionally to bring the incident to a swift conclusion and apprehend the offenders."

Det Insp Cox reassured people who were in the area and may have been alarmed at the scene.

He said: " We do know some people in the area saw quite a commotion in Hartley Terrace, but I would like to reassure them it was the police arresting these men quickly to minimise any harm to the public.

"We would also take this opportunity to remind people who need to carry cash to take precautions.

"If you have to take it in your car make sure it goes in the boot rather than on a passenger seat or where a thief could easily snatch it."